SE Kentucky News

There were 101 first grade students enrolled in Lee County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 24.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Lee County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed first grade students.

Within Lee County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in fourth grade.

Statewide, Lee County ranked 116th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 116th the year before.

Kentucky is in the midst of a statewide teacher shortage as turnover rates spiked to 10.9% in 2023, up from an 8.9% nine-year average. This issue is more prominent in schools with more low-income and minority students.

Data also shows that between 2019 and 2023, there was an increase of 260% in the number of available teaching posts in Kentucky schools. This often leads to larger class sizes, combining programs, and retaining staff despite potential negative impacts on teacher working conditions.

School	# of 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Lee County Elementary School	101	21.3%	475